Kola Nut (Cola) is the nut of the kola tree, a genus of trees native to the tropical African rain forests.

It is related to the South American cocoa. It is an ever green tree, growing up to 20 m tall (about 60 feet), with glossy ovoid leaves up to 30 cm long and star shaped fruits.

The kola nut has a bitter flavor due to caffeine. It is chewed in many West African cultures. It is presented to tribal chiefs and guests. Chewing kola nut eases the pangs of hunger but causes stained teeth.

Kola nuts are often used to treat asthma and whooping cough. The caffeine expands the air passages.

Kola nuts are known as a flavoring agent. Whole Food market has now reintroduced the use of cola nuts as part of their trend to use natural rather than artificial ingredients.

Red cola, Simply cola, Cricket cola, Pepsi cola and Coca cola use cola nuts for flavoring.